🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as creation advances.